Mary Matsumoto, 72

Posted Feb. 10, 2015

Mary Matsumoto, a 72-year-old Latina, was found dead Wednesday, Jan. 14, in the 800 block of West 11th Street in San Pedro, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Shortly before 6 p.m., Matsumoto’s daughter called police because she was concerned for her mother’s safety, said LAPD Det. Greg Halka. The daughter said her father-in-law had weapons in the house and that the couple had been having marital problems.

Police arrived and found Matsumoto shot to death in the bedroom. She was pronounced dead at 6:07 p.m. Police believe she had been dead for 24 to 36 hours.

Authorities then arrested George Matsumoto, a 75-year-old Asian man, on suspicion of murder. He was charged Feb. 10 with one count of murder with a weapon allegation and pleaded not guilty, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Anyone with information can call Det. Gregory Halka at (310) 726-7886. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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Three reader comments

“

Someone who knows George Matsumoto said his mother is Latina, and his father is Asian. Is this true? How can I find a picture of him?

— Maria alvidrezJuly 23, 2017 at 2:56 a.m.“

Hi Ryder,Thank you for pointing this out -- Mary was Latina but her married name was Japanese. Her husband was Japanese. I hope this helps. Thank you for reading.

Nicole

— Nicole Santa Cruz/LATMarch 23, 2015 at 3:42 p.m.“

Hi Nicole,

I just wanted to confirm the ethnicity of Mary Matsumoto. She is listed here as Latino, whereas George Matsumoto is identified as Asian. The discrepancy might affect a number of issues, especially searching homicides by ethnicity.

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